§ 44. Dame Irene Wardasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that New Philharmonia Orchestra in 1963 gave 10 concerts in South America and received £15,000 from the British Council and in 1965 it will give 28 concerts on the same grant; and, in view of rising costs, what was the basis on which the grant was made.
§ Mr. PadleyI am aware of the facts relating to the South American engagements of this orchestra in 1963 and its future programme but, the British Council cannot make grants and is able in such cases to offer only a limited guarantee against loss. The primary factor is therefore not so much the total number of performances as the net amount by which an orchestra's total expenditure may exceed its total likely takings. The Council takes all these factors into account, but in this case foresaw last September that it would in any case be unable to find more than £15,000 to offset any deficit. The orchestra was so informed at the time, and was invited to adjust its itinerary accordingly. As I told the hon. Member on 1st July, the amount 195W cannot be increased because the Council has no further funds available for this purpose.